China Extends Overseas Travel Restrictions to AI Professionals at Private Firms
China has expanded its overseas travel restrictions to include top AI professionals at private firms such as Alibaba and DeepSeek, marking a shift from previous limits focused mainly on state-owned enterprises. The government targets individuals deemed strategically important to national interests, including startup founders, researchers, and executives. While the scope and criteria for these curbs remain unclear, the move reflects Beijing's intent to safeguard AI talent amid growing competition with the US, though it may impact talent recruitment and industry growth.